Puter is a free, open-source Internet OS that runs a full cloud desktop in your browser. See features, pricing, pros/cons, and FAQs before you try it.
Category
File Management
Pricing
Freemium - the hosted cloud desktop and self-hosted open-source version are both free; usage-based pricing applies to AI model API credits beyond the free allowance, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2022
Headquarters
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Web AppAPIOpen SourceAIFreemiumSelf-Hosted
Overview
Puter is an open-source, browser-based operating system built by Puter Technologies Inc., a Vancouver-based startup founded in 2022 by CEO Nariman Jelveh. Rather than being installed like a traditional OS, Puter runs entirely inside a web browser, giving users a desktop environment, file manager, and app ecosystem accessible from any device.
The project is open source under the HeyPuter GitHub organization and can be self-hosted for free, which has helped it build a large community of developers and homelab users in addition to its hosted puter.com offering.
Key Features
Puter bundles core desktop-style apps (notepad, voice recorder, camera, music and audio editor) with cloud file storage and an app store for installing additional first-party and community apps. Users can log in with Google, Microsoft, or Apple accounts.
For developers, 'Puter.js' exposes cloud storage, authentication, key-value storage, and AI model access as simple JavaScript APIs, using a user-pays model for AI usage so that app creators do not need to provision or pay for their own API keys.
Pricing
The core Puter platform - both the hosted cloud desktop at puter.com and the open-source self-hosted version - is free to use.
AI features draw from a free token allowance per user; usage beyond that allowance is billed directly to the end user rather than the app developer, and specific storage or usage caps are set by Puter and not exhaustively published, so current limits should be checked on puter.com.
Key Features
Browser-based desktop environment — A full desktop-style interface, file manager, and window system that runs entirely inside a standard web browser.
Cloud file storage — Files, folders, and app data are stored in the cloud and accessible from any device without local installation.
Built-in productivity and media apps — Includes a text editor, voice recorder, camera app, music player, and audio editor out of the box.
App store and third-party apps — Users can browse and install additional apps built by Puter or the community through an integrated app store.
Open-source and self-hostable — The full Puter codebase is open source on GitHub and can be self-hosted on a user's own infrastructure at no cost.
Developer APIs (Puter.js) — A JavaScript library gives developers cloud storage, authentication, and AI model access without managing backend servers or API keys.
User-pays AI billing model — AI usage in apps built on Puter is billed to each end user's own account rather than to the developer, keeping developer costs at zero.
Multi-provider AI access — A unified interface exposes multiple third-party AI model providers through one API and account.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Core platform and self-hosted version are both completely free
Open source with an active GitHub community and frequent updates
Unique user-pays AI billing model removes API cost risk for developers
No installation required - works entirely in the browser
Self-hosting option appeals to privacy-focused and homelab users
Single sign-on with Google, Microsoft, or Apple accounts
Cons
Newer and less independently reviewed than established cloud storage or productivity platforms
Detailed storage limits and enterprise terms are not extensively published
Small team (around 9 employees) relative to the scope of an 'operating system' product
Early-stage company with limited disclosed funding (pre-seed, roughly $3 million)
Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance knowledge
AI feature depth depends on third-party model providers Puter integrates with
Pricing
Puter Cloud Free N/A
Self-Hosted Free (open source) N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puter?
Puter is an open-source, browser-based operating system that gives users a cloud desktop with file storage, built-in apps, and an app store, all accessible without installing anything locally.
Is Puter free?
Yes, both the hosted version at puter.com and the open-source self-hosted version of Puter are free to use; AI features draw on a free token allowance with usage-based billing beyond that.
Can Puter be self-hosted?
Yes, Puter's full codebase is open source on GitHub and can be deployed on a user's own server at no licensing cost.
Who founded Puter?
Puter was founded in 2022 by CEO Nariman Jelveh and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
What is Puter.js?
Puter.js is Puter's JavaScript developer library that provides cloud storage, authentication, and AI model access as simple APIs, without requiring developers to run their own backend.
How does Puter handle AI API costs for developers?
Puter uses a user-pays model where each end user's AI usage is billed against their own free allowance or account, so developers building on Puter.js do not incur AI API costs themselves.
Is Puter backed by any investors?
Puter has raised a pre-seed funding round of approximately $3 million, with investors including Accel Starters.
Is Puter suitable for enterprise use?
Puter is an early-stage product with a small team, so organizations should carefully evaluate its enterprise features, support, and terms directly before large-scale deployment.